KIEV, Ukraine, April 4 (UPI) -- Zoo animals at ousted Ukranian President Viktor Yanukovych's estate are at risk of starvation after zoo staff fled when anti-government protesters stormed the grounds.

When the estate was stormed, a personal zoo was found containing several animals, some of them exotic. The zoo staff fled without leaving any means of caring for the animals. A former curator at the Kiev Zoo heard of the predicament and stepped in to help. He has been feeding and caring for the animals since they were abandoned.

The Kiev Zoo is thinking of merging its facilities with the zoo to create a national park. In the meantime, there is a rush to get funds and resources to keep the animals fed and healthy.

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